The Nationals gave the 33-year-old Soriano a $28 million, two-year contract filled with deferred payments and handed him the closer's role. Soriano, who saved 42 games for the Yankees last season and 45 for the Rays in 2010, joins fellow right-handed relievers Storen and Clippard, who both have 30-plus-save seasons in the majors.

Storen had 43 saves in 2011, but missed the first half of last season after an elbow operation in April. Clippard took over the closer's role in his absence and saved 32 games.

“As it stacks right now, (Soriano is) the No. 1 guy," Johnson told the newspaper. "But we’ll see how they throw.”

Johnson added that he doesn't know much about Soriano. “I know he knows how to pitch and gets people out.”

Nats GM Anthony Rizzo said the move gives Johnson multiple relievers "that have the ability to close out games, and one of them is going to close out the seventh, one will close out the eighth and one will finish the game in the ninth.We feel pretty good about that."